Business activities at Thika bus terminus were grounded to a halt for hours after two matatu Saccos clashed over parking space.
The 2TS and 254 Finest Saccos have been scrambling over parking spaces and on Tuesday afternoon, the two matatu saccos engaged in fierce fight.
Trouble started when 2TS matatu crew blocked 254 matatus from leaving a matatu stage in the town centre claiming that they are ‘stealing’ their customers before they reach their Whiteline stage.
254 Finest saccos was forced to retaliate which led to both saccos to resort to fistfights over passengers.
Police officers were forced to use teargas to disperse the matatu operators and some of the passengers were caught between the crossfire and were forced to scamper for safety.
Thika West Deputy County Commissioner Tom Anjere warned the matatu crews against resulting to fights to settle disputes saying they should seek other ways that won’t put lives at risk.
“Anyone who feels side-lined or in need of being heard is at liberty to walk into any of the security or transport committee member offices. We shall not allow any further acts of lawlessness,” said Anjere.
Thika West transport committee chairman Christopher Wanjau said they seek both parties in a bid to find a solution to the problem that has affected the two saccos for months.
“We are working on a permanent solution to the conflict with a view to easing matatu congestion and repeat conflicts amongst matatu saccos operating in the town,” said Wanjau.
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